Reptiles And Amphibians From The British Solomon Islands

This book provides comprehensive accounts of 85 reptiles, which represent all the currently known species occurring in this island archipelago. Most importantly, the natural histories of the living animals are given in detail, and almost all species - inc.

This book describes how the various alien reptiles and amphibians now living in the wild throughout the world were first introduced, how they subsequently became naturalized, their present distribution and status in those countries to which they were introduced, and their ecological and socio-economic impact on the native biota and local economies. Many species have had a more or less neutral impact, being neither beneficial nor harmful. However, several have had a positive ecological or socio-economic impact, while some such as the cane toad, have had an extremely destructive effect.The criteria for inclusion of a species are that it should have been imported from its natural range to a new country by human agency--either accidentally or deliberately--and that it should currently be established in the wild in self-maintaining and self-perpetuating populations unsupported by and independent of mankind.

This detailed guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain, Ireland, and the Channel Islands has been produced, with the collaboration of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, with the aim of inspiring an increased level of interest in these exciting and fascinating animals. It is designed to help anyone who finds a lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, terrapin, frog, toad, or newt to identify it with confidence. Stunning photography An easy-to-use approach to identification Superbly illustrated introductory sections on the biology and conservation, taxonomy, lifecycle, and behavior of each species group Profiles of the 16 native reptiles and amphibians that breed in Britain, Ireland, and the Channel Islands and the 5 marine turtles that visit Britain's seas Profiles of 7 established nonnative species and a summary of 8 more with a history of release/escape Distribution maps based on the latest available information Hints and tips on where, when, and how to watch reptiles and amphibians